Ten Natural Remedies to Ease Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Morning sickness or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy occurs in about 75% of pregnant women. For most women, morning sickness is at its worst during the first trimester or during the first twelve weeks of the pregnancy. It usually lets up into the second trimester. Morning sickness is caused by the hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy. While morning sickness is most likely to occur in the morning, it can actually occur anytime during the day and may be triggered by certain smells. However, there are some natural remedies you can use to help ease your morning sickness.

If your morning sickness is severe or is accompanied by any other symptom such as chills/fever or disorientation, you need to check in with your care provider.

1) Keep eating

Many pregnant women with morning sickness will stop eating thinking this will ease their nausea and vomiting. In actuality, this is the worst thing you can do. Not only will you not be taking in enough calories to support your pregnancy, but you'll actually make your morning sickness worse by having an empty stomach. Eat comfort foods that you would eat if you had the flu such as dry toast, saltines, rice and applesauce.

2) Remember to drink

To keep from becoming dehydrated, remember to keep drinking fluids. It may help your morning sickness not to eat and drink at the same time.

3) Switch prenatal vitamins

Some pregnant women's prenatal vitamins will upset their stomach and exacerbate any morning sickness. Talk to your care provider about switching your prenatal vitamin if you feel this is triggering your morning sickness.

4) Try peppermint flavored products

Peppermint gum or tea may be a great natural remedy for your morning sickness. You can also try inhaling peppermint essential oil (never rub pure essential oil on your skin) or put crushed mint leaves into a plastic baggy and inhale those when you feel sick.

5) Ginger products